I have long been a fan of Nancy Shapiro’s work, scooping up one of her monotypes the first time I met her many years ago at Napa Valley Open Studios.
Nancy studied at the Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts. A native New Yorker, she returned to her roots in NYC where she pursued a career in graphic arts.
Since 1996 Nancy has been living in Napa, where she creates splendid, colorful, abstract canvases inspired by the natural surroundings of the Napa countryside.
Questions for Nancy:
What are three of your most precious belongings?
"1. The first one that came to mind is an antique heart bracelet that my Mom and Dad gave to me when I was about 10 years old. It has a Speidel expandable band. The initials AC are engraved on the heart. I have always wondered who AC was.
2. Two-dollar bills in a Christmas money envelope that Rene di Rosa gave me as a Christmas thank you gift when I was a volunteer at the di Rosa Preserve.
3. My Macintosh Computer."
Who is your favorite artist?
"Pablo Picasso, because of the fearless and limitless way he approached creating his art in different media."
Where was your favorite place to visit?
"The South of France where the quality of light and delicious food were captivating."
What do you like most about your home?
"What I like most about our 1920s restored summer cottage is the serene location. It is set on a hillside surrounded by valley oak and redwood trees, adjacent vineyards, and an olive grove.Horses, deer, wild turkeys and the many other birds (song birds & raptors) inhabit the property. From every room I can see this engaging, ever changing environment that has been inspiration for my artwork."
The last shot I grabbed before leaving Nancy’s house was this bright blue cow grazing nonchalantly on the mantle. Nancy told me this is also one of her favorite things. The cow is a reproduction of a maquette created by artist Veronica di Rosa (Rene di Rosa’s wife) for the large metal sculptures on the di Rosa property.
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